Together we can make a difference.

Why Herzog’s Heroes Was Founded

Woman smiling and holding a fluffy German Shepherd puppy.

I didn’t start out as a conscientious breeder. In fact, my journey began with good intentions but very little guidance—what some might label as backyard breeding. I had no mentor, no roadmap, and when I turned to online communities for help, I was met with hostility instead of support.

Hoping to do things right, I contacted the AKC, assuming there was a process to ensure responsible breeding. Instead, I was asked only to submit my dogs’ registrations. I didn’t realize then that AKC is a registry—not a seal of quality or responsibility.

I bred my first dogs based on the belief that “healthy” from a vet meant they were good breeding candidates. But I didn’t yet understand what responsible breeding truly required: genetic testing, lineage knowledge, temperament, conformation, and long-term support. I loved my dogs, but I made mistakes.

One of those dogs was Herzog—my first stud and the inspiration for this organization. He was loyal and loving but struggled with behavioral issues that I now know should have disqualified him from breeding. His story isn’t unique—but it should be.

I founded Herzog’s Heroes because I saw a gap: breeders like me who cared but lacked direction, and a rescue system overburdened with dogs who were failed by poor breeding and lack of planning.

This isn’t about shame. It’s about responsibility. It’s about providing breeders with the support, tools, and education they need to do better—for the dogs, the owners, and the future of breeding itself.

At Herzog’s Heroes, we believe dogs born into intentional breeding programs should never end up in shelters. Every breeder has the opportunity—and the obligation—to be part of the solution.

-Kate Dalman, Founder

A Jack Russell Terrier looking downward with ears slightly perked, showing a brown-and-white coat.

Our mission is to create a standard of conscientious dog breeding leading to fewer dogs in shelters and a decrease in canine suffering.

At Herzog's Heroes, our purpose is clear: to revolutionize the way dogs are bred, cared for, and integrated into our lives. We fervently believe that by raising the standards for dog breeding, promoting informed ownership, and fostering a deeper understanding of the human-canine bond, we can positively impact the lives of countless dogs and their families.

Our Mission

Close-up of a woman smiling with a tan Cocker Spaniel dog wearing a pink collar.

At Herzog’s Heroes, our work is driven by a clear and urgent mission: to raise the standard of dog breeding, reduce shelter overpopulation, and protect dogs before they’re at risk. We believe lasting change begins with prevention — and our goals reflect that.

1. Eliminate Irresponsible Breeding Through Policy and Education

We aim to:

  • Introduce and support legislation in Illinois that creates enforceable, transparent breeding standards.

  • Expand our Breeder Regulation Task Force to collaborate with shelters, vets, and animal control agencies statewide.

  • Launch a public-facing education campaign to help communities recognize and report irresponsible breeding practices.

2. Certify 500+ Conscientious Breeders in 5 Years

Through our HCBA (Herzog’s Conscientious Breeder’s Alliance) program, we’re setting a new industry benchmark. Our goals include:

  • Certifying 500 breeders nationwide by 2030

  • Offering accessible education and accountability tools to support long-term breeder success

  • Making HCBA Certification the most trusted signal of responsible breeding in the U.S.

3. Educate 10,000 Puppy Buyers

We want to empower future dog owners to make responsible, informed decisions. We will:

  • Develop and distribute buyer education resources, including breed-matching tools, red flag checklists, and go-home planning guides

  • Partner with vet clinics, trainers, and rescues to circulate our materials

  • Launch a searchable Breeder Directory App so families can find certified breeders with confidence

4. Unify the Dog World Through the All Paws In Campaign

We’re building a movement that bridges the gap between breeders, rescues, shelters, and advocates. By 2026, we aim to:

  • Launch All Paws In as a national awareness campaign

  • Host collaborative events with rescue groups and breeder education teams

  • Create a shared platform for public education and shared responsibility in shelter prevention

Our Goals

Person wearing glasses holding a small dog outdoors with a flowering tree in the background.

To achieve our goals, we’ve created focused, mission-driven programs designed to raise breeding standards, prevent shelter overpopulation, and protect dogs before they’re at risk:

  • HCBA Certification Program
    A first-of-its-kind certification for conscientious breeders committed to health, transparency, and lifelong planning.

  • Breeding Regulation Task Force
    Our team is drafting commonsense policy to modernize breeding laws in Illinois, focusing on accountability, oversight, and local enforcement.

  • All Paws In Campaign
    A national campaign to unite breeders, rescues, shelters, and dog lovers in one shared mission: prevention over crisis.

(Additional programs like Herzog’s Hardship Fund and Hero Canines are in development and will be launched as funding allows.)

Our Programs